Holiday Volunteer Organizations

Turkey tastes better when you're helping someone less fortunate. So tie on an apron, break out the baster, and hit the streets.

Attention, car owners: Drivers are needed to deliver meals in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan to people with aids and other serious illnesses. You'll be equipped with food, addresses, and maps. Bring a friend so you can double-park. (212-294-8169.)

2. The Children's Aid Society

Prepare and serve Thanksgiving dinner at P.S. 8 and the Frederick Douglass Center to the organization's children and their families in the days before Thanksgiving. (917-286-1530 or childrensaidsociety.org/volunteer.)

3. Citymeals-on-Wheels

Citymeals encourages children to volunteer, so bring the kids to help package and deliver food to homebound seniors. Volunteers are also needed to serve at neighborhood holiday parties. (citymeals.org.)

4. Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter

Cook dinner for the homeless on the Upper East Side. Food donations are needed—nonperishables can be brought in anytime, fresh food on Thanksgiving or the day before. (212-861-0704, ext. 407.)

5. Lenox Hill Neighborhood House

The Park Avenue Armory women's shelter is looking for helpers to serve dinner and mingle with diners between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (212-744-5022,
ext. 1238.)